Niger state Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has called on participants of the 42nd edition of the Federation of Public Service Games Association (FEPSGA) to maintain the relationship built during the games.
The governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, made the declaration at the closing ceremony of the annual multi-sports event, held at the Bahago Sports Complex, Minna.
He observed that sports is a unifier and that alot of relationships had been built through sports over the years, adding that Nigerians are more united through sports.
The governor also observed that in the spirit of the game there are no winners nor losers as everyone who participated was a winner because what one does not gain in competing he gains in participation.
While appreciating the FEPSGA President and his team for considering the state to host the 2023 edition of the games, the governor also expressed the readiness of the state to host the games again if given the chance.
He equally congratulated the entire FEPSGA officials, as well as all the participants for the successful completion of the event.
In his remarks earlier, the National President of FEPSGA, Mr. Aloku Amaebi, observed that Niger state has raised the bar for the organisation of the games and that it is a challenge for the next host if it is not Niger state again.
He appreciated the state government under the leadership of Governor Umar Bago for hosting the event and the warmth reception and hospitality accorded the FEPSGA officials and the entire participants throughout the 10 days event.
Reacting to the protest by the football team of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over the use of ineligible player by the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) football team, the FEPSGA President urged the FAAN football team to exercise patience and allow the officials to handle the issue in the spirit of sportsmanship.
He assured that if their protest is investigated and found to be true, the team will be stripped off the medal and awarded to FAAN.
The NPA Football team clinched the football event trophy after beating the FAAN team by 5-4 through penalties as both teams played goalless at regulation time, while the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports team came third beating Federal Mortgage Bank team via penalties by 4-3 after a goalless play at regulation time.
Niger state contingent for the games won a total of 22 medals, eight gold’s, six silver and eight bronze medals.
Highlights of the event was a presentation of medals and trophies to the respective winners.
